Jeff Probst buys Gene Autry estate for $5 million

The 'Survivor' host purchases the late cowboy singer-actor's Studio City spread.

"Survivor" host Jeff Probst has purchased the Gene Autry estate in Studio City for $5 million.

Built in 1949 by the cowboy singer-actor, the forested 3.68-acre property had been donated by Autry's widow, Jacqueline Autry, to the Autry National Center of the American West.

The two-story Monterey-style house of about 8,000 square feet has pegged hardwood floors, a family room with a wet bar, a library/media room with vintage walnut paneling, a breakfast room, five bedrooms and seven bathrooms.

Balconies overlook the acreage, which has winding paths and flower gardens. The grounds also include a guesthouse, a swimming pool and an outdoor entertainment area with a fireplace.

The residential property couldn't be turned into a museum, so the Autry had no reason to hold onto it, trustee Stanley Schneider said. "The sale provided a substantial donation to the museum."

Probst, 48, has hosted the reality show since it started in 2000. He has won four Emmys while spreading his catchphrase, "the tribe has spoken," far and wide. Probst declined to comment.

Gene Autry's signature song was "Back in the Saddle Again," but his biggest hit was "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." He owned the team now known as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 1961 to 1997, and died in 1998 at age 91.

The Autrys married in 1981. Jackie Autry, 69, makes her home in Palm Springs.